At KickCancer, we support present and future patients by transforming the treatment maze into a smoother journey and by ensuring that research projects and the organisation of care truly meet patients’ needs. When advocating for new policies in Europe or Belgium, we also involve patients directly, using live testimonials and surveys to illustrate the real-world impact of the status quo (i.e., the current policies) on their lives.
Unlike many other “consumer-facing sectors”, healthcare has long developed drugs and medical interventions with limited input from the people who ultimately use them: patients. Today, it is widely recognised that care is more effective when patients understand their treatment and are actively involved in decisions that affect them.
Patient participation is a virtuous circle. Treatments and interventions developed with patients’ input are better accepted, more effective in real-world use, and contribute to more efficient healthcare systems. At the same time, empowerment is rooted in humanity and dignity, recognising patients as partners rather than passive recipients of care.
Public authorities and the scientific community increasingly seek patients’ contributions to the organisation of care, reimbursement decisions, and clinical research. Meaningful participation requires that patients be supported to provide informed and relevant input. KickCancer ensures that patients who are involved in any co-decision or assessment process are coached to provide feedback on the relevant dimensions of care or research.
Patient empowerment operates at both an individual and a collective level. Individually, empowered patients play a more active role in their treatment journey through shared decision-making with healthcare professionals. Collectively, patients contribute to shaping healthcare systems by representing the broader patient community. These two dimensions are complementary and mutually reinforcing.
In 2021, KickCancer established a “Patients Committee”, marking its transformation into a truly patient-led organisation. The Committee includes both parents of patients and cancer survivors, and contributes to improving the quality of care and advocacy for paediatric cancer patients in Belgium and in Europe.
With the support of its patient community, KickCancer develops tools for present and future patients. The development of these tools follows a structured process coordinated by KickCancer and involving:
Here is a glimpse of these tools: a comprehensive guide to navigate the cancer storm, a library of reliable resources, peer-to-peer support for patients in treatment and communication tools for friends, family and colleagues.
If you would like to involve one of our trained patients in your project, survey or focus group, reach out via the form below.
